Who was fired:Ken Whisenhunt (45-51 in six seasons, 4-2 playoffs) and general manager Rod Graves.

What happened: The Cardinals got off to a great start (4-0) in 2012, but then went into freefall, losing 11 of their final 12 games. The low point came in Week 14 when they were routed on the road in Seattle, 58-0. Even Whisenhunt's NFC West-winning second and third seasons, which included four playoff wins and a near-miss in Super Bowl XLIII against Pittsburgh, weren't enough to hold up after an 18-30 mark over his last three years. Although he had one more year on his contract, the Cardinals decided to make a wholesale change in removing him and Graves, who had been general manager since 2002.

The common bond in their firings was the inability to solve their quarterback problem following Kurt Warner's retirement. From Derek Anderson to Brian Hoyer, including the Kevin Kolb trade-and-sign debacle, both Graves and the offensive-minded Whisenhunt whiffed big-time at the most important position.

What’s being said: Cardinals kicker Jay Feely, one of the NFL's outspoken players, had a heartfelt response to end of the Whisenhunt and Graves era in Arizona. "Tough year for the Cardinals. Always a sad day ending the year and saying goodbye. Change is the only constant in the NFL," Feely wrote on Twitter (@jayfeely). "I want to thank Coach Whisenhunt and Rod Graves for bringing me to the Cardinals. Good men that I'm lucky to have been around."

What's next: The Cardinals' defense wasn't the problem in 2012, and that should have the Bidwill family looking long and hard at elevating coordinator Ray Horton to replace Whisenhunt. If they want Horton, they will need to work hard to keep in him town, with many outside suitors in line.

What they need: With Horton overseeing an excellent 3-4 pressure unit in the attack mode of Dick LeBeau's Steelers, including some superb talent (Calais Campbell, Daryl Washington, Patrick Peterson) at all three levels, they just need to maintain that strength, even if it's with another coordinator or scheme. The next general manager's top priority is identifying a true franchise quarterbacks to take advantage of skilled receivers such as Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Roberts and Michael Floyd. An overhaul of the offensive line is required, as it was the worst in the NFL. Those things are just as important to the potential success of the next coach as his scheming and skills as a motivator.

Who would fit: Team president Michael Bidwill said Monday that the Cards will interview Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, who is hot on several teams' radar. The energy Horton brings to the defense would translate well to the entire team, but it's less likely the Cardinals consider turning to a former Whisenhunt offensive coordinator, current Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley—the man who once worked so well with Warner.

How good is the job? The Cardinals don't have the same national cachet as other teams looking for coaches. The Bears and Eagles have the marquee advantage, while the Chargers are more appealing in terms of location. The Browns and Chiefs offer more ambitious hands-on owners. It also hurts that Arizona's quarterback situation doesn't have much appeal for a new coach to take on as a challenging project. It will take someone with patience, and for the Bidwill family to give him the necessary time to rebuild the offense.